Nursing Elites

1. During a focused assessment for a client with dysrhythmias, what indicates ineffective cardiac contractions?

• A. Increased heart rate
• B. Pulse deficit
• C. Elevated blood pressure
• D. Bounding pulse

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A pulse deficit is a crucial finding in clients with dysrhythmias as it indicates ineffective cardiac contractions. A pulse deficit occurs when the apical heart rate is faster than the radial pulse rate, suggesting that some heartbeats are not generating a pulse. This can be a sign of serious heart conditions like atrial fibrillation or heart failure. The other options, such as an increased heart rate (choice A), elevated blood pressure (choice C), and bounding pulse (choice D), do not specifically indicate ineffective cardiac contractions and are not directly associated with dysrhythmias.

2. A healthcare professional is performing a focused assessment on a client who has a history of COPD and is experiencing dyspnea. What finding should the healthcare professional expect?

• A. Decreased respiratory rate
• B. Flushing of the skin
• C. Flaring of the nostrils
• D. Productive cough

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Flaring of the nostrils is a sign of increased respiratory effort, which is common in clients with COPD experiencing dyspnea. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. A decreased respiratory rate is not expected in a client with COPD experiencing dyspnea, as they often have an increased respiratory rate. Flushing of the skin is not a typical finding associated with COPD or dyspnea. While a productive cough can be seen in COPD, it is not specifically related to the increased respiratory effort seen with dyspnea.

3. A healthcare professional is teaching a group of assistive personnel about the expected integumentary changes in older adults. Which change should the healthcare professional include?

• A. Increase in skin turgor
• B. Increase in subcutaneous fat
• C. Decrease in moisture levels
• D. Increase in oil production

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Decrease in moisture levels. In older adults, there is a reduction in oil production, leading to decreased moisture levels in the skin. This change can result in dry skin and increased risk of skin issues. The other choices are incorrect because in older adults, skin turgor tends to decrease, subcutaneous fat may decrease, and oil production typically decreases rather than increases.

4. When performing an abdominal assessment on a client, what action should the nurse take first?

• A. Palpate the abdomen
• B. Auscultate bowel sounds
• C. Inspect the abdomen
• D. Percuss the abdomen

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to auscultate bowel sounds. This action should be taken first because it ensures that bowel sounds are not altered by physical manipulation. Inspecting the abdomen (choice C) may provide visual cues but does not address functional assessment. Palpating the abdomen (choice A) should follow auscultation to prevent altering bowel sounds. Percussing the abdomen (choice D) is typically done after auscultation and palpation.

5. A healthcare professional is reviewing the laboratory values of a client who is experiencing fluid volume deficit (FVD). What finding should the professional expect?

• A. Decreased hematocrit
• B. Increased hematocrit
• C. Decreased white blood cell count
• D. Increased red blood cell count

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Increased hematocrit.' In fluid volume deficit (FVD), there is a decrease in the amount of fluid in the blood vessels, leading to hemoconcentration. This results in an increase in hematocrit levels. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because a decrease in hematocrit, decrease in white blood cell count, and an increase in red blood cell count are not typically seen in fluid volume deficit.

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